look news india
Nearly six years ago, Muslim women sitting on a street in south-east Delhi turned Shaheen Bagh into a global symbol of protest. But today, with the passage of time, a major practical change is visible in the ground reality and the thinking of the community. Ahead of a new protest proposed recently, a completely different and cautionary message is being spread within the Muslim community through WhatsApp groups, mosque groups, Instagram reels and X (Twitter) posts. Now Muslim youth are being advised to stay away from being a part of any political or social demonstration without thinking.
Youth are being warned on social media
Muslim youth are being explained very seriously in various posts being shared on digital platforms. They have been warned that being a part of any protest may be a work of a few hours, but if the conditions there worsen, then the youth may have to suffer serious consequences for years.
In the viral posts, the youth are not only being asked to avoid being a part of the protests but are also being forbidden from going near sensitive areas. A message circulating on social media read:
"As always, if violence or unrest suddenly erupts in a protest, the local Muslim youth are the first to be made scapegoats. Subsequent difficulties like arrests, long legal cases, jail, media trials and tarnished image in the society destroy the future of the entire family."
In this connection, a report by Times of India has shared the experience of Ashraf Masood, a college student from Sarita Vihar. Ashraf says that his father has clearly refused him to go to this new demonstration. According to Ashraf, his father says that it makes more sense to strengthen yourself academically and financially and focus on your career before taking to the streets emotionally. Only when you yourself become strong, will you be able to truly help others in the future.
Changed perspective: lessons of the past versus challenges of the future
The main aspects of this ideological change taking place within the community can be easily understood from the table given below:
Mosques and religious gurus also appealed for understanding
This message of caution and prudence is not limited only to the internet or social media, but now this voice is coming to the society through mosques also. Recently, in his address after Friday prayers at a mosque in Shaheen Bagh, the Imam urged young Muslims to think very seriously before joining any demonstration.
Message from Imam Ahmed of Masjid Shahab
"Islam certainly teaches us to stand up for justice, but it does not allow us to expose ourselves to unnecessary harm, danger and chaos. The format of every performance is not the same. Before becoming a part of any movement or crowd, our youth should ask themselves some bitter questions – What is the real purpose of this demonstration? Who are the people organizing this? Will it really remain peaceful or turn violent? And most importantly, will there be any real benefit to the society by going there or just loss?"
Religious leaders clearly believe that real and lasting change does not come through slogans or taking to the streets, but through education, economic self-reliance and constructive community work at the grassroots level.
However, not everyone within the Muslim community seems to completely agree with this new opinion. Amidst this debate, some users on social media also say that expressing one’s views peacefully and registering protest is a constitutional and democratic right of every citizen of the country, and this right cannot be completely withdrawn from. Despite this, on a large scale, it is now visible among the youth that giving priority to wisdom and career instead of emotions is visible.